Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Tenth Christmas Day
John 4:34 Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work."
FROM START TO COMPLETENESS
In Scripture, the number ten is a number often repeated, and some say the number of completeness. We have 10 Commandments, 10 Tables of Showbread, 10 lampstands, and 10 lavers used in the Temple of Jehovah. Jesus told parables about 10 Virgins, 10 Silver coins and 10 Talents. There are other "tens" mentioned in the Bible. We might argue about whether the number itself is meaningful and represents completeness.
But as we draw closer and closer to the dawn of Epiphany, we remember Jesus' purpose in appearing was to fulfill the plan of salvation and to complete the work given him by the Father. It will be a few days before people stop talking about their New Year's resolutions. It will be a few more and many of their resolutions will be completely forgotten. Thank our gracious God that it was different with Jesus. Even at age 12, Jesus knew His purpose and was focused on being about the Father's business. As an adult He said: "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work."
He didn't just say it. He completed the work given Him. It was a little more than 20 years after his first recorded words (at age 12) that Jesus went the way of the cross as planned. Then when seeing all things complete, He cried out: "It is finished!" All barriers removed, all sins forgiven, all guilt removed, forever. The work of salvation is complete.
We don't often follow through on our promises -- whether made to God or men. It's a good thing God doesn't deal with us based upon our works or faithfulness! We are often found to be unfaithful.
But the Lord Jesus was faithful from start to finish, from start to completeness. He was faithful, obedient, perfect in order that we might be declared not guilty by faith in His completed work.
Naught have I, O Christ, to offer
Naught but Thee, my highest good.
Naught have I, O Lord, to proffer
But Thy crimson-colored blood.
Thy death on the cross hath Death wholly defeated
And thereby my righteousness fully completed;
Salvation's white raiments I there did obtain,
And in them in glory with Thee I shall reign.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 366:6)
